Guitar Banjo, possibly Slingerland, c. 1919, made in Chicago, natural varnish finish, spunover rim, laminated maple neck with ebonized maple fingerboard.
This unbranded banjo-guitar likely dates from the 1910's, but is still very 19th century in design. The 12" openback spunover rim is a style little changed from the 1880's. There is a neck heel brace attached to the dowel that is a simplified version of S.S. Stewart's design. The 5-piece laminated maple neck has a heel in the style often seen on Slingerland banjos of the 1920's, and the hardware is similar as well, leading us to think this a very early example of that company's banjo output.
The workmanship is somewhat sloppy in spots (the neck center seam is nowhere near the center at the heel!) but overall this is a nice instrument with a lot of character. The fingerboard is unusually narrow at the nut for an early guitar style neck, but the profile is a deep "U". A good player with a surprisingly powerful sound!
Overall length is 35 in. (88.9 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.).
Appears all original, set up with an older skin head. Plays and sounds very well. Excellent Condition.
